OVO Energy Women’s Tour expands with sixth day for 2019

The tour will grow from its present five days and once again forms part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour. Dates of the 2019 event, alongside details of the six stages, will be revealed in due course.

Mick Bennett, race director, commented: “We are delighted to have been granted a sixth day of racing for the OVO Energy Women’s Tour to build upon the success of the first five editions. Teams and riders have been asking us to extend the event and to broaden the range of stages, which the flexibility of a sixth day will enable us to do.”

Chris Houghton, CEO of energy retail at OVO Energy, said: “The OVO Energy Women’s Tour is already one of the highlights on the global cycling calendar and adding a sixth day opens up new opportunities for the race and its riders. As title sponsor of the race and supporters of women’s cycling, OVO Energy is thrilled at the prospect of showcasing the race in new regions and to new audiences.”

Heath Harvey, chief executive of SweetSpot Group, added: “We have worked closely with British Cycling and the UCI to grow the OVO Energy Women’s Tour in a sustainable fashion and after the success shown by the first five editions it is only right that the event can visibly grow.

“We are immensely proud that Britain is at the forefront of the growth in women’s cycling and the addition of a sixth stage will enable us to take the event to more people than ever before, to showcase women’s sport and inspire more people to be active and get on their bikes.”

The full calendar for the 2019 UCI Women’s WorldTour will be confirmed on September 28 at the UCI World Road Race Championships in Innsbruck, Austria.